Illinois Civic Education Legislation

Middle School Civics Bill (2019)

On Friday, August 9, 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill (HB) 2265 into law. Now officially Public Act 101-0254, the law requires a semester of civics in grades 6, 7, or 8, employing direct instruction, discussion of current and societal issues, service learning, and simulations of democratic processes. It takes effect at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

High School Civics Bill (2015)

On August 21, 2015, Governor Rauner signed House Bill (HB) 4025 (Public Act 99-0434) into law, requiring that future Illinois high school students complete a stand-alone, semester-long civics course. Course content must include instruction on government institutions, current and controversial issues discussions, service learning, and simulations of democratic processes.

A separate law (Public Act 099-0485) was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Governor Rauner provides further clarity on HB 4025's effective date. The course mandate takes effect on July 1, 2016, and applies to incoming freshmen for the 2016-17 school year.